THE BORDER REPORT

U.S. Marshals are being called in to ramp up security at the U.S. District Courthouse in Tucson after a federal judge received "significant" threats this past week. Details are scanty on the particular case that sparked the threats against the federal judge – though I do have my suspicions. The Feds aren't saying anything publicly about the threats or the beefed up security at the courthouse, but federal agents tend to get a bit ... intense ... when someone starts talking about putting a hit out on a judge. I suspect the calls came in because of the high profile civil case against a Southern Arizona rancher accused of holding 16 illegal migrants against their will in 2004. There's been some outrage in southeastern Arizona (and beyond) that the case is even being heard and Judge John M. Roll has already refused to turn down the case one time. I expect this will end shortly. You've got to be crazed to make a threat on a federal judge and think there isn't going to be some repercussions. But we'll find out; the trial is supposed to end Friday.